Home for Cooperation releases short documentary “Divided Still” online

Home for Cooperation releases short documentary “Divided Still” online

Nicosia, Cyprus – [20/07/24] 

The Home for Cooperation announces the online release of its short documentary, “Divided Still.” This 20-minute film, directed by Antonis Pouliasis, was produced by the Home for Cooperation during the Covid-19 pandemic when the operation of crossing points in Cyprus was suspended. It features personal stories of individuals whose everyday lives were deeply affected by the crossings’ closure and showcases the ties between the lived realities of people across the divide.

The existence of the crossing points over the last two decades has undoubtedly facilitated contact, connections, collaborations and relationships across the divide. A vital step in breaking down the barriers that still divide the island. Nonetheless, the pandemic outbreak and subsequent suspension of the crossing points has shown how fragile the current situation is. And “Divided Still” is a reminder of this fragility and of the pressing need for the next steps to be taken in the reconciliation process.

This July, among the various and competing narratives in the dominant discourse, the Home chooses to highlight the life that has been built across the divide, a glimpse of what is at stake for the people of Cyprus.

‘Divided Still’ was screened at the Kalamata Short Documentary Festival in Greece and Ethnokino Film Festival in Switzerland, as well as at the Home for Cooperation in Nicosia, Cyprus. The short film is now available to watch online for free with subtitles in English, Greek and Turkish.

 About the documentary:

Until 2003, contact between the two communities of the divided Cyprus was extremely limited, with crossings only permitted for a select few who acquired special permissions. On April 23, 2003, crossing points opened for public use, bringing the people of Cyprus a step closer. However, in late February 2020, with the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, the operation of these crossings was suspended due to regulations imposed by local authorities, leading to the disruption of the lives of many, who integrated crossings in their daily routine.

In response to the 2020 closures, the Home for Cooperation invited individuals who have built their lives across the divide since 2003, to share their experiences, feelings, fears, and concerns about the situation. “Divided Still” sheds light on the human experiences and the everyday realities of living in a divided island. It highlights people’s resilience and hope, encouraging a dialogue that looks towards reconciliation and unity.

The Home for Cooperation invites everyone to watch “Divided Still” and join the dialogue. The documentary is now available on the H4C YouTube channel. For more information about the documentary, visit the website: https://www.home4cooperation.info/divided-still/